Things to do on a long weekend
Folks Arts Festival gets things started with nine open houses across region
There is no shortage of events to enjoy this holiday weekend, with carnival rides, live sports and even romance. And for those looking to learn about different cultures, there are numerous open houses, all part of the Folks Arts Festival.
2023 Folk Arts Festival
The festival continues this weekend with nine communities — all but one in St. Catharines — opening its doors. Take advantage of a worldwide cultural experience with live music, authentic food, dance performances and more.
Open houses kick off Saturday with the Ethio-Canadian open house at Saint George and Saint Mercurius Coptic Orthodox church from noon to 5 p.m., with a coffee ceremony at 2 p.m. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Merritton Community Centre, the Canadian Slovak League is hosting its open house, with kid and adult-friendly Slovak artist painting lessons.
Cap the night as the Chinese Cultural Association, promoting awareness of Chinese culture and heritage, hosts its open house at Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Sunday, Club Heidelberg will hosts its second open house from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. with German food and authentic performances. The Filipino-Canadian Association of Niagara will serve culinary dishes as well as a series of folk dances at the Merritton Community Centre from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Armenian Community Centre of St. Catharines will open its doors in the afternoon, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a celebration of Armenian culture.
On Monday, enjoy baked strudel and sweets by Slovenian bakers and watch traditional dancers and music at Lipa Park Slovenian National Home (in Pelham) from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Club Roma will serve Italian food, dessert and its own entertainment from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
To close out the weekend, Sofifran invites Niagara to celebrate African and Caribbean culture from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Porte Ouverte.
For more information and details visit niagarafolkartsfestival.ca.
Virgil Stampede
Rides, games and food return to Virgil Sports Park this weekend as the 55th stampede gets underway. Beginning at 10 a.m. — Saturday through Monday — enjoy the outdoor food court, a variety of carnival rides and games, and cap off the weekend with a firework display Monday at 9:30 p.m.
Admission is $5 per person. Children under 10 are free. For more information visit virgilstampede.ca
Romancing the Falls
Romance is coming to Niagara Falls, connecting more than 40 authors with readers who love romance. The three-day book event, running through Sunday at Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, will include author readings and signings, games and swag, bringing together indie and traditionally-published authors.
Proceeds will go to Birchway Niagara (formerly known as Women’s Place of South Niagara).
For more information, visit romancingthefalls.net.
Niagara sports
The South Niagara Invitational kicks off the slate of weekend sports, with the two-day event getting underway Saturday at Welland International Flatwater Centre’s South Course, with 116 races (and 42 finals) running through Sunday afternoon.
The Welland Jackfish opened their season Thursday evening at Welland Stadium, and will host its second game Saturday afternoon against the Brantford Red Sox at 1:05 p.m. Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased at wellandjackfish.com/ tix.
The 126th season at the Fort Erie Race Track opens Monday, with live thoroughbred races set for 4:30 p.m., food trucks and live music — following the last race of the day.
Victoria Day extras
Niagara Falls kicks off its 2023 Niagara Falls Summer Fireworks series Friday for the long weekend, continues every night at 10 p.m. until Thanksgiving.
Action gets underway in Welland Saturday as the city rollsl back into the ’80s, hosting a free roller skating event (rent or bring your own) at the Welland Main Arena. Half-hour time slots are on a first-come, firstserve basis, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. At 9:30 p.m., a firework display will end the night.
Saturday is opening day for two of St. Catharines summer delights.
The historic carousel at Lakeside Park will open for its 102nd season, rides available 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays until July 1, and then daily until Sept 5. And Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm starts its season, running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. In addition to horses, chickens, turkeys, pigs, llamas, alpacas and donkeys, the park features two ponds, accessible playground, picnic area and pavilion.